This creamy chicken orzo soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with tender chicken, tasty vegetables, and small pasta that makes each spoonful delightful!
I love how quickly this soup comes together! Just throw everything in the pot and let it simmer. It’s like getting a big hug in a bowl! Who wouldn’t want that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth lets you control the saltiness. You can substitute it with vegetable broth for a lighter version or homemade broth if you have it on hand!
Orzo Pasta: If you can’t find orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, feel free to swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It gives a unique flavor while keeping it creamy!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is my favorite, but you can also use kale or Swiss chard for an extra nutritional boost. Just chop them into smaller pieces for faster cooking!
How Do I Make Sure My Orzo Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo to the right texture is key to a successful soup. Here’s how you can make sure it turns out just right:
- Add the orzo when your broth is boiling to ensure even cooking.
- Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
- Keep an eye on the clock; it usually cooks in about 8-10 minutes.
- If you’re not serving the soup immediately, undercook the orzo slightly as it will continue to absorb liquid.
By following these tips, you’ll have tender, perfectly cooked orzo in your creamy chicken soup every time!
Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful creamy chicken orzo soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. This step is essential as it will help to create a delicious base for your soup!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This will give your soup a nice flavor!
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Bring to a Boil:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Cook the Orzo:
Once boiling, stir in the orzo pasta, dried oregano, and thyme. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the orzo is tender, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
6. Add Chicken and Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the shredded chicken and chopped spinach. Stir it all together and let the spinach wilt; this adds a nice pop of color and nutrition!
7. Stir in the Cream:
Lower the heat and gently pour in the heavy cream. Make sure to heat it gently and avoid bringing the soup to a boil again for best results. This makes your soup wonderfully creamy!
8. Season:
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference, and you’re almost done!
9. Serve & Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, garnish with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra touch!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your creamy chicken orzo soup warm with some nice crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy chicken orzo soup!
Can I Use Any Type of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded before adding it to the soup.
What If I Don’t Have Orzo Pasta?
No problem! You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
How do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as the orzo may absorb some liquid.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This will give your soup a creamy texture without the dairy!